As we return to our routines after Hurricane Sandy, it makes us mindful of the important things in life.

We see what some Pennsylvanians and Americans have endured, and will continue to endure over the next days and weeks, knowing that the American spirit will prevail.

Despite it all, Election Day is upon us.

It is unfortunate that some candidates and their supporters lack any vision for the future of our commonwealth, and simply resort to baseless negative and personal attacks.

A great Proverb says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." I have vision for a prosperous future for all of Pennsylvania's families and seniors. We must have a laser focus on real issues that are important to our families and our communities. It is critical that we continue on a path of working to grow jobs and our economy in Pennsylvania. This has been, and will continue to be, my number one focus as your state representative.

Since the end of the Rendell Administration, we have made great strides in moving Pennsylvania in a direction that welcomes new businesses, but there is still work to be done. I am committed to helping job creators reinvigorate our economy by making Pennsylvania job friendly and competitive in the national marketplace. That's why I voted for tort reform to curb lawsuit abuse, for a tax credit to encourage investment in job creators, and am leading the effort for fair and affordable business taxes. These are the policies that are bringing new businesses to our community.

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The challenges are great, but we must have solutions. Federal Medicaid mandates placed on states, and potential Obamacare mandates, have the potential to bury the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in red ink. I will work diligently to oppose these mandates, and continue to work to route out the waste, fraud and abuse in DPW.

We must also address the Commonwealth's unfunded public pension obligations. My opponent defends the status quo, while Pennsylvania's taxpayers bear the burden. But we must address this issue so that future generations aren't saddled with this obligation, as well as for those annuitants who depend upon a solvent public pension system in retirement.

During the Rendell Administration, debt increased by 40 percent. I have never voted for the commonwealth to incur additional debt. I am committed to ending this generational theft by reforming the way in which the Commonwealth borrows.

Education funding remains a top priority. When President Obama's stimulus money ran dry, the administration suggested school funding reductions that went too deep. I stood with local families to say no.

By prioritizing the money we have, reforming welfare, and making other changes, we were able to make sure that Pennsylvania now commits more state tax dollars to basic education than ever before. As tax revenue increases through a robust economy, we can continue to invest in education and reducing the tax burden on all of Pennsylvania's families and seniors.

To continue this effort, I need your support on Nov. 6.

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Republican Rob Kauffman represents the 89th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.